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"There isn’t a person alive that doesn’t think Dutchy is one of the greatest human beings to walk this earth," Matthews told Wide World of Sports.

"The world is a poorer place for his passing. Why is it the great ones, the special ones, get taken so early? Where is the justice?"

Holland made his Test debut at the age of 38 in November 1984, and famously took 10 wickets against the mighty West Indies side at the SCG later that summer to spin Australia to victory, as well as another 10 wicket haul against New Zealand the following season.

"The greatness of Dutchy was how old school he was in a time when the game was just turning professional, and he took more five wicket hauls in Test cricket at Lord’s than the great Shane Warne," said Matthews.

Taylor added: "Bob Holland will rest easy knowing he took ten wickets twice in a Test at the SCG, and also a five-for at Lord’s. That’s not a bad double to have."

"He was a real competitor, he loved the game of cricket and really enjoyed the competition, but played it in the absolute best way you could play the game. I’m sure he didn’t enjoy getting belted back over his head for six, but as a good spinner does he’d come in next ball and try and get you out.

"Dutchy was the sort of player who wouldn’t say a bad word about anyone. Sledging and all those sort of things weren’t part of Bob Holland."

Holland was a tireless contributor to cricket in the Newcastle area, including holding all committee positions at the Southern Lakes club at various times, including 16 years as President.

"He was a great clubman, a great person to be around," Taylor said.

Holland had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer earlier this year.

He played 11 Tests for Australia, taking 34 wickets, as well as playing 95 first class matches, and was a member of the NSW side that won the Sheffield Shield in 1984/85 and 1985/86.

He was awared a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for five decades of service to cricket on Australia Day earlier this year.